Luis Rubiales: FIFA bans Ex-Spanish football federation chief for 3 years. Here is what we know

FIFA has banned former Spanish Football Association president Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities for three years. Rubiales triggered controversy when he kissed forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain's Women's World Cup final win over England. After refusing to resign initially, Rubiales stepped down in September. FIFA has earlier banned him provisionally. The football governing body on Monday announced the three-year ban for breaching Article 13 of its disciplinary code.

Luis Rubiales kisses player

Luis Rubiales claimed that he kissed the player at the post-match presentation ceremony with her consent and it was "mutual". Rejecting the claim, Hermoso said that it was not consensual. She filed a legal complaint.

FIFA confirms ban

Confirming the case, the world football governing body said that the "events that occurred during the final of the FIFA Women's World Cup on 20 August 2023, for which Rubiales had been provisionally suspended for an initial period of 90 days".

FIFA said in a statement, "In accordance with the relevant provisions of the FIFA disciplinary code, he has 10 days in which to request a motivated decision, which, if requested, would subsequently be published on legal.fifa.com. The decision remains subject to a possible appeal before the Fifa appeal committee."

Hearing at Madrid

A hearing at the national court in Madrid took place last month, it considered a criminal complaint of sexual assault and coercion against Rubiales. He was subsequently banned from going within 200 metres of Hermoso.

Sue Smith expresses happiness

Reacting to FIFA ban on Rubiales, Former England midfielder Sue Smith told Sky Sports,
"Something had to be done. I watched it at the time and thought it wasn't right." She said further, "I am pleased. It went on for a long period of time. tIt was difficult for the Spanish players. Women's football stuck together on this and it's the right outcome."

FAQs:

Why was Spanish Football Association president Luis Rubiales banned?
FIFA has banned former Spanish Football Association President Luis Rubiales for three years for kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain's Women's World Cup final win over England without her consent.

What did Rubiales say about the controversy?
Luis Rubiales claimed that he kissed the player at the post-match presentation ceremony with her consent and it was "mutual". Rejecting the claim, Hermoso said that it was not consensual. She also filed a legal complaint.